Most Asian stock markets edged higher on Thursday, led by a sharp rally in South Korea where shares surged to record highs on strong gains in chipmakers. Japanese equities, meanwhile, traded flat after touching a fresh all-time peak above the 58,000 mark, as optimism surrounding the so-called “Takaichi trade” began …

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, offering further evidence that the U.S. labor market is stabilizing after a period of softness, though some underlying weakness remains. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits declined by 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 227,000 in the …

U.S. stock futures moved higher on Thursday, rebounding from the previous session’s pullback as investors refocused on a fresh round of corporate earnings and awaited key inflation data that could shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy. By 05:50 ET (10:50 GMT), Dow Jones futures were up 155 points, or 0.3%, …

Oil prices inched higher on Thursday, supported by rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East, as investors weighed the possibility that escalating tensions between the United States and Iran could disrupt global crude supplies. Brent crude futures rose 35 cents, or 0.5%, to $69.75 a barrel by 08:53 GMT, while …

European equities moved higher on Thursday, supported by a heavy slate of corporate earnings and fresh economic data from the U.K., while rising oil prices added to market momentum amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. By 03:10 ET (08:10 GMT), Germany’s DAX advanced 1%, France’s CAC 40 jumped …

Bitcoin traded largely flat near the $67,000 mark during Asian hours on Thursday, as investors digested stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data that reduced expectations for near-term Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The world’s largest cryptocurrency was last up 0.4% at $67,102.8, remaining capped below the key $70,000 level. Trading activity was …

The U.K. economy expanded only modestly in the final month of 2025, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of England will remain under pressure to continue easing monetary policy as the new year unfolds. Data released on Thursday showed that gross domestic product grew by just 0.1% in December, marking a …

Most Asian stock markets edged higher on Thursday, led by a sharp rally in South Korea where shares surged to record highs on strong gains in chipmakers. Japanese equities, meanwhile, traded flat after touching a fresh all-time peak above the 58,000 mark, as optimism surrounding the so-called “Takaichi trade” began …

Russia sharply criticized new U.S. restrictions affecting Venezuela’s oil industry on Wednesday, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov describing the measures as “blatant discrimination” against Moscow and other countries, while the Kremlin said it would seek clarification from Washington. The comments followed a move by the U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday …

U.S. stock futures pointed to a solid start on Wednesday after stronger-than-expected employment data signaled resilience in the world’s largest economy, prompting investors to reassess the outlook for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 130,000 in January, comfortably beating economists’ expectations for a 70,000 increase, while the …